2011/08/24

The Art Of The Shabby Shoe

These ankle boots are really old, but some of my favourites. I bought them second hand on a market. They weren't shiny from the beginning, that, their fantastic design and the fact they fitted, is what made me bag them straight away and I've kept them looking like that. I have never put coloured shoe polish on them, just some water resistent stuff, and I am very fussy when its time for a new sole. The shoemaker gets very clear instructions not to wipe or polish them afterwards. It's an English thing I guess. The English people don't like their things looking new and shiny. Actually, the Scandinavians are pretty good at it, too! Shiny riding boots? Oh please! Have you seen Jamie Hince in shiny shoes, or Kate Moss? Rarely. He even stayed true to this on his and Mosis wedding day! Don't get me wrong, I also love my shiny patent brogues and all sorts of other shoes I wear and love with different outfits, but it's that worn, washed, matt leather sort of look that appeals to me greatly. It's authentic. They can be new, but they shouldn't look it. Scuffmarks welcome! Labels that do the look very well are Acne, Maison Martin Margiela and as the name already suggests - Shabbies Amsterdam (love their bags, too). Take a look: